Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

MANILA - Senator Richard Gordon said Thursday that the corruption in the Bureau of Customs (BOC) affects the ease of doing business in the Philippines.

"Humihina ang negosyo ng Pilipinas dahil ang daming sinisingil," he said after the Senate inquiry into the P6.8-billion "shabu" haul that allegedly slipped past port inspections.

• P11-billion shabu haul inside magnetic lifters possible: PDEA

Gordon also said that more high officials in Customs could be involved in illegal activities, if dismissed police officer Eduardo Acierto would talk.

"Acierto has not talked enough. I think if Acierto talks, meron pang high officials, higher than him, na nakakaalam itong nangyayaring ito," he said.

Former Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban, who will become a state witness, implicated Acierto in the alleged drug shipments.

• Ex-customs officer tagged in drug smuggling considered for witness protection - DOJ chief

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier named Acierto as the leader of a group involved in illegal drug trade.

As chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee currently investigating the incident, one of Gordon's recommendations is to conduct a lifestyle check of all the people involved.

The senator also said that Customs should be strict in using "consignees for hire," which traffickers used to smuggle illegal drugs in the country.

• 'X-ray machines do not lie': Drugs detected inside magnetic lifters, says Customs official

Personnel manning x-ray machines should also be changed regularly, he said.

"Gusto ko hindi dapat tumagal ng 3 buwan sa posisyon. Dahil walang matibay diyan eh. Tutuksuhin ka ng tutuksihin," he said.